Batwoman: Javicia Leslie announced as first black actor to play role on TV

Announcement follows shock departure of Ruby Rose in May

The CW has announced that Javicia Leslie has been cast as the new lead in Batwoman.

The announcement follows the shock departure of Ruby Rose, who played Kate Kane (aka Batwoman) in the first season of the DC superhero drama.

Leslie will portray new character Ryan Wilder, who will become the titular superhero.

The actor, who is best known for her role in the CBS comedy-drama God Friended Me, will be the first black woman to play the role of Batwoman on TV.

In a statement, she said: “I am extremely proud to be the first black actress to play the iconic role of Batwoman on television, and as a bisexual woman, I am honoured to join this groundbreaking show, which has been such a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community.”

In May, Rose announced she would be leaving the CW series, leading to widespread speculation over who would be cast as her replacement.

“I have made the very difficult decision to not return to Batwoman next season,” the Australian actor said in a statement.

“This was not a decision I made lightly as I have the utmost respect for the cast, crew and everyone involved with the show in both Vancouver and Los Angeles.”

Reports suggest that tensions arose as Rose was unhappy with the long hours required of her to work on set.

Batwoman is set in Gotham City, and follows the emergence of a new crime-fighting hero in the years after Batman’s disappearance.

Season two is expected to premiere early next year.